Welcome to the magical journey of Rishikesh!
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". With whitewater rafting industry growing and varied camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favorite, catering to people with different needs.
Over the years, the tranquil town has become extremely popular as the top spiritual destination in the world, especially after the Beatles association with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi here in the late '60s. As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh has been a hub of Sadhus (saints) with numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda springing up, the most popular of which is the Beatles Ashram.
Things to do in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a unique city in terms of a variety of things which it can offer to the tourist. There is something for everyone who comes here. Rishikesh can't disappoint anyone. All you need is good guidance. Take a look at some of the activities in Rishikesh.
Ganga aarti (Ganges Ceremony) : Highly recommended for everyone. Take a holy dip in the Ganges and enjoy Ceremony in the evening at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat. Sit near the river Ganges, feel the music, the breeze and the auspicious atmosphere around you. Ganga Aarti is a ceremony for the River Ganges. Every evening many people visit Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan for the ceremony.
Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh: Rishikesh is world-famous for yoga. You can experience yoga is small sessions or you can stay here and spend a week or month to learn yoga. So many yoga experts are here who can teach you yoga in a unique way that you cant learn anywhere. Rishikesh is also one of the best places in the whole world for meditation. The natural atmosphere, auspicious surroundings, river and mountains what else one can expect to make a strong bond with nature and himself/herself. That's the reason that thousands of famous spiritual personalities selected this place for their meditation.
Adventures in Rishikesh: Rishikesh becomes an adventure hub for the last 10 years. Adventure means a challenge for your stamina and strength. Rishikesh has many activities for amazing fun that you will remember it for a lifetime. Challenging rapids, Mountains and dense forest is here to test your skills physical and mental strength. Rishikesh has Rafting, camping, trekking, Rock climbing, Rappelling and bungee jumping are famous adventure activities that you can enjoy here. Weekend Adventure tour in Rishikesh can refresh your mind from day to day life.
Attractions in Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat is the biggest bathing ghat in Rishikesh. Situated near the main market this ghat has a mesmerizing view of mountain and river. The reason for the name is it is believed that this is a conference of 03 rivers Ganges, Yamuna and legendary Saraswati. Due to the conference, this ghat is a great place to take a bath. Ghat is a structure of steps where people can access the river for the holy bath. Everyday Ganges ceremony (Ganga Aarti) is organized at a ghat in the evening. (5 PM in winter and 6 PM in Summer) This is a beautiful place to sit right on the bank of the river and view the mountain and river with the company of cool river breeze. Triveni Ghat is situated just 100 meters far from the main market. Small Shani Mandir is also located near Triveni Ghat.
Lakshman Jhula: Big iron suspension bridge on the river Ganges which is 4.5 km far from Rishikesh. It is believed that Lakshman (Brother of lord Ram) crossed the river here by jute rope. The current bridge is built in 1929 when the old bridge (1989 built) was damaged in flood. Lakshman Jhula is popular with tourists for shopping and other activities such as rafting. Both sides of the bridge has so many different shops with interesting things to buy. Lakshman temple and Tera Manzil Temple is also situated here. From the bridge, you can have a spectacular view of the river and the city. Lakshman Jhula is a pedestrian bridge but it is also used for bikes.
Ram Jhula: Suspension bridge similar to the Lakshman Jhula between Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram is known as Ram Jhula or Sivananda Jhula. Boat is also available here on a sharing basis to cross the river. So many shops are available on both sides of the bridge for shopping. Sivananda Ashram, Yog Niketan Ashram, and Omkarnanda Ashram is located at one end of the bridge and the other end has Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Ram Jhula is a pedestrian bridge but it is also used for bikes.
Beatles Ashram: Beatles Ashram is located in the Swarg Ashram this ashram is closed in 1997 and consumed by the forest department. Still, there are some buildings such as meditation cells and lecture halls are there as a witness of the glory of the ashram. In February 1968 Beatle stayed here to learn yoga and meditation. After the Beatle's visit, Rishikesh came in limelight throughout the world for yoga.
Staying in Rishikesh
Accommodation is not a problem at Rishikesh as the place is flooded with numerous guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Also, being a religious place, there are many ashrams and dharamshalas in Rishikesh where one can stay.
With "Unseen India Tour" explore the best of Rishikesh as a tourist.
